Dermatológia pre prax 3/2026

The most common adverse effects of oncological treatment on the skin of patients

Adverse effects of oncological treatment on the skin arise through various mechanisms and vary in intensity; they are usually not immunologically mediated. This is why the clinical picture is variable, although for specific groups of drugs, such as chemotherapeutics, immunotherapeutics, hormonal therapy and biologic therapy, it is often relatively typical regardless of the type of tumor being treated. Cutaneous and adnexal adverse effects are often perceived by patients as severe because they occur on visible or sensitive areas and are frequently associated with intense itching. These adverse effects are often chronic and require long-term care and treatment. Side effects of oncological treatment significantly reduce the quality of life of patients. The goal in dermatology is to correctly diagnose and classify adverse effects of oncological treatment, differentiate them from paraneoplastic skin manifestations, offer adequate treatment to the patient, and communicate with the oncologist about possible continuation, dose modification or interruption of oncological therapy.

Keywords: oncological treatment, adverse effects of treatment, alopecia, acneiform rash, drug-induced pruritus